Author | Lightnews

Jean Duffy

@soccergranniesbook.bsky.social

35 followers 37 following 76 posts

We all need a little inspiration . . . Look no further than the South African Soccer Grannies! Proud to share their story.

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Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Nov 21

"Soccer Grannies" is the story of a team of 40 to 80-year-old women in rural South Africa who defy social convention to play soccer for the companionship and the health benefits. Their strength and resiliency help them face life’s challenges with dignity, humor, and hope.

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Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · 3d

In 2007 Beka Ntsanwisi formed a soccer team of older women. They improved their health and formed a vibrant new community of support.

Now almost 20 years later, hundreds of teams of grandmothers play soccer across Africa.

One woman can change the world! ⚽❤️

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · 8d

Melissa-Asli Petit reflected on the Grannies World Cup in “Soccer Brings Joy!” ⚽🥰
oldwomenaroundtheworldenglish.substack.com/p/soccer-bri...
“With age, many challenges arise. Playing soccer means you no longer feel alone, you can forget your problems on the field, and encourage each other.”

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · 11d

"Soccer Grannies" book is now available to listen to on Audible, Spotify, and more!
I hope I’ve done justice to the voices and spirit of these extraordinary women.
All proceeds will be donated to the Beka Ntsanwisi Foundation. ⚽🇿🇦

More details are on my website, jeanduffy.com/audiobook/

#audiobook

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · 14d

The lauded humanitarian Beka Ntsan'wisi has been busy, busy. She held an event for the elderly providing food donations and eye checks, celebrated a milestone birthday for one of the Nkowankowa players, and is promoting cancer awareness. 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Sep 19

One week from today! On Friday 9/26 at noon the Ingalls Memorial Library has arrangerd a Soccer Grannies "Lunch & Learn" event at the Meeting House, 6 Payson Hill Road in Rindge NH. Would love to see you there! ⚽🇿🇦❤️⚽🇿🇦❤️⚽🇿🇦❤️

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Jul 16

Sorry to relay that this event has been cancelled. Keep kicking the soccer ball!

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Jul 12

On Tuesday 7/22/25 at 1pm, I return to the town where I kicked my first soccer ball! I'll talk about my favorite soccer-playing grandmothers at the Community Center at 39 Marrett Road in Lexington, MA.
❤️⚽🇿🇦
Please register at:
lexrecma.myrec.com/info/activit...

LexingtonHumanServices #BookEvent

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Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Jul 3

Come out to the Arlington Author Salon on Thursday 7/10/25 at 7:30pm at the Kickstand Cafe in Arlington, MA. I will be joined by fellow authors, Milo Todd and Rebecca Root, for a special event with the theme of "Finding your Strength."
#BookEvent #StrongerTogether

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Jun 23

Just finished "My Beautiful Sisters." Khalida Popal bravely shares the life threatening struggles that women face playing soccer in Afghanistan. I can tell you it was hard to read, but eye opening and inspiring as well. Thank you, Khalida, for sharing your story.
bookstagram #bookreview

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Jun 16

Looks like SO much fun. Grannies in Singapore are playing water polo!
www.nytimes.com/.../singapor...

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · May 26

Yesterday was World Football Day! "Football's broad appeal and accessibility make it a potent tool for promoting health and well-being. It has also served as a vital platform for advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, both on and off the field." ⚽✌️❤️
www.un.org/en/observanc...

World Football Day | United Nations

World Football Day strives to foster global support for sports, particularly football, as a means to advance peace, development, the empowerment of women and girls, and the attainment of Sustainable D...

www.un.org

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · May 20

Love the final lines of this @shethepeople.bsky.social piece . . . "Passion, curiosity, and play don’t expire with age. If anything, these grannies show us that the second half of life might just be the most exciting chapter of all." ❤️⚽🇿🇦
#soccergrannies

www.shethepeople.tv/lifestyle/gr...

Soccer Grannies: Redefining Old Age, One Kick At A Time

The Grannies International Football Tournament challenges age stereotypes, showing that older women can stay active, break barriers, and find joy in sports.

www.shethepeople.tv

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · May 14

Great article by Ryan Lenora Brown: South Africa’s ‘soccer grannies’ take the field for kicks and camaraderie
⚽🇿🇦❤️
www.csmonitor.com/World/Making...

The Christian Science Monitor @csmonitor.bsky.social · May 13

South Africa’s ‘soccer grannies’ take the field for kicks and camaraderie

www.csmonitor.com

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · May 3

One week from today . . .
Saturday May 10 at 11am, I will be at the East Somerville Library 📚(Somerville Public Library (MA)) at 115 Broadway.

A fun mother's day outing? Bring your mother! Bring your daugther!
❤️⚽🇿🇦❤️

Please register:
somervillepubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/soc...

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · May 3

Check out the China Daily coverage:
"Goal-den oldies are on top of the world

Sore knees, selfies and a sexagenarian goal machine: The recent Grannies International Football Tournament had it all"
www.chinadaily.com.cn/.../WS68140d....

#SoccerGrannies

Goal-den oldies are on top of the world

Mbele Nonhlanhla laced up her silver soccer boots as her coach shouted encouragement to players with creaky knees, stiff backs and labored breathing in a dressing room in South Africa's far north.

www.chinadaily.com.cn

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · May 1

Johannesburg journalist Ryan Brown landed this piece in our own @bostonglobe.com. Great photos by @ilangodfrey.bsky.social. ❤️⚽🇿🇦🇺🇸⚽❤️
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/05/01/m...

Meet the team of soccer ‘grannies’ from Mass. who took a world tournament by storm - The Boston Globe

At the Grannies International Football Tournament in South Africa, a chance to prove any doubters wrong.

www.bostonglobe.com

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Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Apr 28

Congratulations to journalist Ryan Brown for bringing her piece, "A world soccer tournament made for grandmothers," to the airwaves of @NPR All Things Considered!! ❤️⚽🇿🇦
www.npr.org/2025/04/25/n...

#soccergrannies #womenssoccer

A world soccer tournament made for grandmothers

A world soccer tournament for 'grannies' has wrapped up. The annual event allows women from all over the world to show off and be appreciated for their athleticism. Some participants are well into the...

www.npr.org

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Apr 27

"No matter their status or identity, they are football player, equal on the field.
They find joy, happiness and friendship... So let’s celebrate this game, because we all need to see more women over fifty taking part in sport." ❤️⚽

oldwomenaroundtheworldenglish.substack.com/p/unity-in-d...

Unity in Diversity: the Grannies International Football Tournament

When it is game day in Tzaneen, South Africa, during the Grannies International Football Tournament - dedicated for women over fifty - everybody dances, everybody sings, everybody comes as they are.

oldwomenaroundtheworldenglish.substack.com

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Apr 24

Jonathan Ball Publishers and @exclusivebooks.bsky.social hosted a Soccer Grannies book event! The Cape Town Grannies team, photographer Tessa Gordon, and US teammates shared soccer stories. Get a copy at
exclusivebooks.co.za/products/979...
📚⚽🇿🇦❤️
Photos: ML Dymski, L Peverada, Jonathan Ball

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Apr 23

I can’t resist the adorable faces of children. 38% of all children in South Africa live with their grandparents, and 64% of those have a grandmother as head of household. Some are energetic soccer playing grandmothers! ❤️

Photo thanks to Ching Lai, Elizabeth Meyer, and yours truly

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Apr 22

I am grateful for WhatsApp messages and calls to stay connected, but a hug is WAY better! Was a thrill to be reunited with my friends that I have known for 15 years - back to when the Grannies visited America! ❤️⚽🇿🇦🇺🇸⚽❤️

Photo credits: Richard of Ilios Travel, Heather Broglio, and me!

#soccergrannies

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Apr 21

My teammate, Alison Higgs, had a lovely idea:
“Mama Beka had her birthday during the tournament. I brrought a canvas and paints. I asked all the players to add their fingerprints. Even if they did not speak English, I just said “for Mama Beka” and everyone wanted to do it.”
❤️🎨❤️

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Apr 20

Nowhere was the celebratory spirit stronger than radiating from the stands. The refrain of this catchy melody translate to “Do you know Mama Beka? There is no one like her.” ❤️❤️❤️

Thanks to videographer Alison Higgs!

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Apr 20

The celebratory spirit of the event was palpable.

Les Reines du Foot player, Karine Van den Eynde, shared her perspective, “Sport sparks connection, courage, and celebration.” It’s all about “honoring the journey we've taken together.” ❤️❤️❤️

Photo credits: Nhlangula's Angle / View and AFPphoto

Jean Duffy @soccergranniesbook.bsky.social · Apr 19

GOOOOAAAALLL!!! Ching Lai caught the goal by US player Ann Atamian of the New England Breakers. ⚽🇺🇸#soccergrannies #womenssoccer